The letter, signed by the BBC's Helen Boaden, ITN's John Hardie and
Sky's John Ryley said: "We hope that timely progress can now be
made to ensure that the bill lifting the prohibition on cameras in
court is included in the Queen's speech.

"The administration of justice is a key part of a democracy. It
shapes and defines a civilised society. The ability to witness
justice in action, in the public gallery, is a fundamental freedom.
Television will make the public gallery open to all."

If the campaign is successful, it will still be some time before
the first televised cases would be screened – and guidelines drawn
up about what can and cannot be shown.

The letter continues: "Each of our organisations fully accepts that
there must be limitations on what can be broadcast and we agree
that the presiding judge should have complete control of what is
shown from the courtroom. We recognise that concerns have been
raised about the impact television coverage will have, particularly
in controversial cases. However, we believe that the outcome can
only be positive.

"Everyone who believes in transparency should support this proposed
change in the law. This is a long-overdue reform. For too long the
UK has lagged behind much of the rest of the world on open justice.
The time has come for us to catch up."

Media select committee chairman John Whittingale MP is leading a
debate on the proposal in parliament on Wednesday (8 February).